The Greenford – Clapham Junction Plan

 

The Objectives

 

To maintain a through link between Greenford and Ealing Broadway

 

To improve frequencies and enhance capacity on the West London Line

 

To improve public transport links between South London and Heathrow.

 

To provide an additional radial rail link in West London.

 

The Network Rail Plan

 

The existing service between Paddington and Greenford is by comparison with other local services lightly used.

 

Heathrow Airport(BAA) wishes to increase the frequency of all station services between Paddington and Heathrow (though it steadfastly refuses to reduce fares beyond Hayes and Harlington).

 

Crossrail services, due to commence in 2017, require a more intensive flow of traffic through West Ealing, the need to “hold” trains to allow access to the Greenford Branch adversely affects this.

 

It is therefore proposed to construct a bay platform at West Ealing and to operate a higher frequency shuttle service between West Ealing and Greenford.

 

Our Objections

 

There is an overwhelming wish by users of the branch to retain direct links to Ealing Broadway, a major shopping and employment centre and for links to London Underground’s services.

 

There is no evidence that doubling the frequency of the Connect service into Heathrow will additional usage except by airline passengers to and from Central London wishing to avoid the premium, Heathrow Express fares.

 

(There is however strong hear-say evidence that an all-stations service between Paddington and Slough is needed).

 

Our Proposal

 

We would like to see a new service operating twice hourly between Greenford and Clapham Junction. This would be a 3 car diesel service requiring the allocation of 3 units and crews. These could be provided by FGW or when post 2012 the Gospel Oak – Barking Line is electrified, units from that service.

 

The Benefits

 

A twice hourly service between Greenford and Clapham Junction would meet all the objectives listed. Passengers from South London for Heathrow would have a same platform change at Ealing Broadway, whilst passengers from West London would have simpler access to Shepherds Bush, (for Westfield Shopping Centre), and to south London’s rail network including Gatwick services.

 

The Costs and Potential Problems.

 

Although the costs of providing a bay platform at West Ealing would be avoided other works would be necessary or advisable.

 

For example;

 

Re-instating Platform 1 at Clapham Junction.

 

A new platform at Acton Main Line – unless a stop at this station is omitted.

 

Double tracking short sections of track at Mitre Junction and the Latchmere Curve.

 

(It might also be necessary to exclude a station stop at West Ealing in order to minimise dwell times on the Crossrail track. This would not detract too much from the service’s advantages).